Yeah I had checked wikipedia but wasn't satisfied with the answer. I much prefer your example. Well I guess the issue here is whether or not the passive-aggressiveness we are detecting is really there. If it really IS there (meaning it's an underhanded move), yeah, it irritates me more than abrasive honesty.

Once it is introduced into a dynamic it can make a real mess of the communication because you can't always be certain where it is taking place and when it is imagined. There is a great little book that talks about and clarifies this issue.

Step into my metaphysical room of mirrors. Fear of reality creates myopic moralitySo I guess it means there is trouble until the robins come
(from Blue Velvet)

I tend to like passive-aggressive peacefulness, if it's meant to really be fair/diplomatic for both sides.. however, I also tend to prefer honesty, just not abrasiveness<--- not too good on one's self-esteem, I think.

Although, growing up with tough love, I think I can somewhat handle it.. just do not prefer so much of it, since I think Respect is most important.

Sometimes, people joke around in a really blunt manner- I try not to take what they say too literally, unless it's meant to really ridicule/make someone look bad in the most heinous way..

If you truly want to be friendly, try relating to me as an equal, rather than as a pet project.

How about if I drop the hostility and you drop the psychoanalysis?

I've ordered baked potatoes that were less loaded than your approach to this thread. If you accuse people of nitwittery while exercising a polarizing subclass of it yourself, expect to be called out.

As for your poll, I'd opt for a third choice that doesn't require I consider myself a nitwit for not choosing one of your prefab. options. Arguably, your refusal to do so is the passive-aggressive behavior you so detest.

"The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things." - Rainer Maria Rilke

I've ordered baked potatoes that were less loaded than your approach to this thread. If you accuse people of nitwittery while exercising a polarizing subclass of it yourself, expect to be called out.

As for your poll, I'd opt for a third choice that doesn't require I consider myself a nitwit for not choosing one of your prefab. options. Arguably, your refusal to do so is the passive-aggressive behavior you so detest.